ICPC Closes Investigation, Clears Ex-MD of NIPC, Sadiku, Others of Alleged Fraud

•Says court struck out case

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC),yesterday, said it had concluded investigation into various allegations levelled against a former Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Ms. Yewande Sadiku, and some officials of the agency.

The agency, in a letter to the management of NIPC, said it was not able to establish any case of financial infractions as contained in the petition against the former management.

“Upon investigation, none of these allegations was established, and the striking out of suit No FAC/ABJ/CS/249/2019 by his Lordship Hon. Justice A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, brings the investigation to a close,” the anti-graft agency said.

The letter further read: “I am directed to refer to your letter in respect of the above subject matter dated November 2, 2021 with reference No. NIPC/Ag. ES/CEO/2021/001/VOL.1/26. The commission received a petition against the former Executive Secretary/Chief Executive the NIPC, Ms. Yewande Sadiku, and some other officials of the NIPC.

“The allegations can be broadly summarised as follows: i. Fraudulent abuse of office, waste and mismanagement of public funds by the Executive Secretary of the NIPC through incessant tours and travels within and outside Nigeria without adding value to the Commission.

“ii. The Executive Secretary of the NIPC embarked on foreign trips without express approval of the Governing Council of the Commission. iii. The Executive Secretary of NIPC used the commission’s fund to repair her damaged personal vehicle. iv. The Executive Secretary is receiving illegal foreign leave allowance,” it said.